Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Shape Up Your Resume

Little things do matter when it comes to your resume. Even a little comma or period can deny a copywriter his job. Take adequate care to ensure that your resume is picture perfect. Indeed, the advent of word processors has made our job very easy and we can dish out resumes according to the job and the company. The interview is largely determined by the resume and the way in which it is arranged. HR professionals accept the fact that the resume acts like the index of the person. Here are some silly mistakes that people commit while preparing their resume that can play havoc during interview times.

Objectives and organizations
All of us are used to include the common hackneyed objective. It states that you aspire to be a part of a world-class organization that focuses on growth ensuring your career growth as well. Ever wondered why most of the resumes end in the database at the very first glance. It is primarily due to this objective statement in the resume. Stop saying about the organization you would like to work with. Use your word space to mention what you aspire to become in the near future and clearly mention your long term goals as well. This adds clarity to the expectations of the company. Clarity and commitment attract immediate attention as these are the qualities least expected from any candidate. Your expectations from the company can be stated during the interview or further interactions once your resume is screened and accepted. Most HR managers are tired of seeing the same objective in all the resumes and seek something specific about the job.
Some people with experience are fond of adding a summary of their experience and do not mention any objective. This might be helpful when you wish to do some freelancing or would like to volunteer to some activity. When it comes to a new job, you need to have some aspirations and they should be obvious in the first glance at your resume. Experienced people can frame an objective that lists out the past and present and states the future aspiration. Simple sentences can be framed taking into consideration the answers to the following questions. Where do you dream to go in your career in the future? Your objective statement begins with the single phrase that comes as an answer to this question. What is your experience and what are your strengths? The strengths and experience together can form a part of your second part of your objective. Avoid using complicated sentences. It is better to break up your objective statement into two sentences - the first sentence reflects your aspiration and the second should reflect your experience, strengths, and skills.

Profile, Skills and competencies
Different resumes include different sub-sections called as profile, skills, and so on and so forth. Most people include skills such as team playing skills and ability to adjust to adversary conditions. However, these skills need not be mentioned in one's resume. It is better to include objective skills that are in tune with your job requirements. An accountant might include his expertise in Tally in this section. This captures more attention and there will be more expectations on you.

Ultimately, it is how you to live up to these expectations in the interview that matters.

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